In 1967, a Black Francie doll named 'Coloured Francie' was released in 1967, and it was the first ever Black doll in the Barbie brand. In 1966, Barbie's cousin Francie was introduced. She was the first celebrity to have a doll in her likeness. In 1967, a Twiggy Barbie doll was released. In 1962, the first Barbie Dreamhouse was released. He was Barbie's boyfriend, and he was the first male character. He was named after Ruth Handler's son, Kenneth Handler. However, Barbie went on to become an iconic doll. Some people were sceptical that Barbie would not sell well, because baby and toddler dolls were popular at the time, not fashion dolls.
The first commercial aired during an episode of The Mickey Mouse Club. Barbie's hair was in a signature ponytail and she wore a black and white swimsuit. The original Barbie doll was revealed at the New York Toy Fair on March 9, 1959. She noticed that Kenneth had a variety of toys to play with, with various careers, whereas Barbara's toys were limiting and only allowed her to play as a mother or caregiver. Barbie's creator, Ruth Handler, had two children named Barbara and Kenneth.
